June 25 – National Day of Joy

About the Holiday

Established by Comfort Keepers, who offer uplifting in-home care for seniors, The National Day of Joy encourages everyone to look for simple moments and expressions of happiness in daily life. Cheerful smiles and greetings, random acts of kindness, upbeat moods, and general positivity can affect not only immediate interactions but can change our moods and improve our health. To honor the day and the idea, find ways to start each morning with a positive attitude for the day to come. Need ideas for how to get started? Say “Hello” to those you meet, listen to and encourage others, happily help out where needed, send a surprise letter, card, or text to a friend or family member far away. And, of course, doing something fun with your kids always makes the day better. Oh! And don’t forget to treat yourself too! When you feel good, those around you will respond in kind!

Big Boy Joy

Written by Connie Schofield-Morrison | Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice

It’s playground time, and the little boy who’s about to conquer the slide and the swings, unexpectedly make a new friend, and use his skills introduces himself: “I am a BIG boy.” As he tears down the sidewalk, he demonstrates—”I can run FAST. I can walk SLOW. I can climb HIGH! I can Go! Go! GO!” Slipping down the slide, too fast to stop, he crashes into another boy walking by with a basket of dinosaurs. They both go tumbling, the dinos spilling out.

The boy cries, but he’s also a big-enough boy to apologize and turn the accident into an opportunity to make a new friend. The two play—”RAWR, RAWR”—with the toys, they “STOMP and CLOMP.” The two move to the sandbox for a “CRASH and SMASH” demolition derby with their trucks, and when a wheel comes off: “I can fix. TWIST and TURN TA-DA!”

But the day’s not over, these fast friends share snacks, play chase, and swing “right into space!” Dad waves. It’s time to leave, with a high five between the boys and a promise to play again.

Connie Schofield-Morrison infectious ode to boyhood and unfettered play is a joyous read aloud, with vivacious rhymes full of personality and pride in what the narrator can do. From releasing all that big-boy energy to turning a crash-bang mishap into friendship to exhibiting ingenuity and manners, Schofield-Morrison’s young child shows just what it means to be a “big boy.”

Emerging and new readers will love being able to read the story on their own, and younger children will quickly catch on to chiming in on all of the high-spirited onomatopoeic words. The story is also perfect for acting out for rambunctious story times.

Shamar Knight-Justice’s young child brims with happiness and excitement as he tackles the playground; shows an awareness of others and their feelings; and races, chases, tumbles, and climbs a slide ladder so tall you have to turn the book sideways! Vivid primary colors, dynamic typefaces, all the big-kid equipment that makes a playground so enticing, and two boys who know how to roar, stomp, kerplunk, share, and have fun together shine from the pages.

Big Boy Joy is a lively read aloud that will capture the hearts of kids and adults alike and will quickly become a much-asked-for favorite for home bookshelves and library collections.

Ages 3 – 5 (and up for newly independent and emerging readers)

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1547611515

About the Author

Connie Schofield-Morrison captured the rhythm of the neighborhood in her first picture book, I Got the Rhythm, and again in I Got the Christmas Spirit and I Got the School Spirit. She is also the author of the picture book biography Stitch by Stitch: Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom. Connie has been writing since she was a young girl and is inspired every day by the big sounds and bright colors of the world around her. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit her on Instagram.

About the Illustrator

Shamar Knight-Justice is an illustrator based in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up with a crayon in his hand and a love for patterns. He currently serves as the principal of an elementary school in Southwest Atlanta, where his scholars’ stories and personalities inspire him to create illustrations that honor their identities. When not drawing, Shamar loves to spend time hoarding collage materials, going on long walks with his family, and devouring the nearest pancake. Visit him at shamarknightjustice.com.

National Day of Joy Activity

Playground Spot-the-Differences Coloring Page

Search for all of the differences between these two pictures then color the scenes!

Playground Spot-the-Differences Coloring Page

You can purchase Big Boy Joy from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

June 9 – National Great Outdoors Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Everyone benefits from spending time outdoors whether they’re playing, helping out with home projects, gardening, traveling, or just enjoying some lazy time. Simple pleasures, breaking the routine, and taking time to recharge all spark the imagination and make memories that last a lifetime. To celebrate National Great Outdoors Month, plan an outing with your kids. It may turn into an adventure you never expected!

Sloth & Squirrel on Vacation

Written by Cathy Ballou Mealey | Illustrated by Kelly Collier

With Sloth & Squirrel’s Pickle Pop stand always hoppin’, the two friends longed for time to do something else. Squirrel yearned for adventure, and Sloth “longed for a l-o-n-g nap.” Then Sloth had an idea: why not close the stand for a vacation? Squirrel was all in, and even got a travel magazine to peruse together on a park bench.

Squirrel was partial to Raging Rapids Rafting and Swoop-dee-Loop Skydiving, while Sloth was eager to check out Lazy Lodge and . . . . Sloth needed a nap! As Squirrel dragged Sloth away, they discovered an advertisement right on the bench that provided the perfect answer: Paradise Park, which promised “Something for Everyone!”

At Paradise Park they hit the beach first, and while Squirrel enjoyed the sand and surf while Sloth slept on a floaty. When Squirrel, trying to skip stones, popped Sloth’s floaty instead, Squirrel scampered off to the gift shop to buy a new one. On the way to the shop, though, Squirrel got sidetracked by rock climbing and then diverted again . . . and again . . . and one more time by all the fun activities before realizing he missed Sloth.

Back at the beach, Sloth had just woken up from his nap and wondered where Squirrel was. As he began his search, Sloth heard two pigs talking about a rock-climbing squirrel. Sloth headed up the mountain, but didn’t find Squirrel. He tried again, taking to the water, but no Squirrel. Sloth always seemed to be a step behind. Perhaps a view from the air would help. At last! “There was Squirrel!” Reunited, the two friends embraced and decided to do something together.

Sloth was ready for an ice cream cone, and Squirrel agreed. But by the time Sloth returned with the cones, there wasn’t anything left to lick. Squirrel knew just what was needed—speed! He zipped to the ice cream stand and zipped back with one “Scooper Bowl Deluxe.” They then “savored every spoonful—the same way they enjoyed the rest of their vacation.”

Cathy Ballou Mealey’s delightful sequel to Sloth & Squirrel in a Pickle is a sweet and funny friendship romp that will steal your heart. This time, Mealey deepens the bonds between Sloth and Squirrel as they collaborate on choosing a vacation spot and after being separated vow to spend the rest of their vacation together. In between readers are treated to a masterclass on being a best friend as Sloth overcomes his natural instincts for snoozing in order to find Squirrel, and Squirrel realizes that time spent with Sloth is more valuable than even the most exciting adventuring alone. Their yummy compromise will satisfy all readers.

Kids will be happy to see Kelly Collier’s fast (and slow) friends back again and discover that their pickle pop stand is still dill-iciously popular. Squirrel’s hijinks as he just can’t stop himself from trying every activity Paradise Park has to offer is sure to whet their appetite for their own summer fun with friends while Sloth’s refreshing downtime will appeal to adults looking for a bit of relaxation.

Sloth & Squirrel on Vacation is a sequel fans of this duo won’t want to miss. It will become a quick favorite read aloud for home and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Kids Can Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1525312564

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-sloth-and-squirrel-in-a-pickle-cover

Read my review of Sloth & Squirrel in a Pickle here!

About the Author

Cathy Ballou Mealey enjoys all kinds of fun vacation activities, including swimming, reading and sharing sweet treats. When she is not writing or reading, she volunteers for schools and programs that support individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Cathy likes dill pickle pops and chocolate ice cream, but not at the same time! She lives with her husband, son and daughter north of Boston, Massachusetts, where she delights in watching silly squirrel antics and is waiting patiently for a sloth to appear. Visit her on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Bluesky.

About the Illustrator

Kelly Collier has been drawing since she was little, and studied illustration in college. She is the author-illustrator of the Steve the Horse series and The Imposter, and the illustrator of the Sloth and Squirrel books, the Izzy series and How to Party Like a Snail. She has an identical twin sister and an older brother and lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and daughter. Visit her on Instagram.

National Great Outdoors Month Activity

Summer Fun Activity Book

Enjoy your summer vacation with the coloring pages and puzzles in this Summer Fun Activity Book!

You can purchase Sloth & Squirrel on Vacation from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

April 25 – Disability Book Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Disability Book Week encourages individuals all over the world to become more inclusive with what they read by reading a book that features characters with disabilities. It’s easy to participate! Individuals and families can pick up a disability-inclusive book to read. Libraries, schools, and bookstores can create a display of inclusive books. Hosting an author, illustrator, or disabled community member to do a reading is also a great idea. Other ways to help are to leave a review of books you’ve read and to talk about disability inclusion with your family or others. These ideas can all go a long way in raising awareness of how we think about disabilities and interact with people who are disabled.

To learn more about Disability Book Week and find lists of books for kids, teens, and adults as well as resources such as display signs to download, visit disabilitybookweek.org.

Thanks go to Beach Lane Books and Barb Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy of this book with me.

Maybe Just Ask Me!

By Katie Mazeika

Mazie was starting at a new school, so she “put on her favorite scarf and wore her prettiest eye patch.” As she waved goodbye to her mom and walked into the building with other students, she was happy she’d be able to make new friends. But when she stood in front of her class to introduce herself, the kids’ questioning faces sent her hurrying back to her seat.

During a science lesson outside, the wind caught Mazie’s scarf and sent it flying, exposing her bald head. While she tied it back on, she heard two of her classmates concocting a fantastical story as to how she’d lost her hair involving a circus and a fire-breathing performer. Before Mazie could say hi, they ran off. Mazie remembered that her dad “had said it might take a few tries.”

So while in line to wash her hands, Mazie tried again, but the boys in front of her were excitedly discussing the possibility that maybe Mazie had joined a “‘pirate crew, and that’s why she wears an eye patch.'” When they finally saw Mazie, they were embarrassed and wouldn’t look at her. At lunch, Mazie felt intimidated to break into the already-established group, especially because they were debating the pirate and circus ideas while creating yet another outlandish story. In fact, everyone had their own theories about what had happened to Mazie.

Mazie began to think that no one would ever talk to her, but then she “remembered what she had learned last year” about being brave and not losing hope. So when the class went to the gym for P.E., she talked to the teacher then blew her whistle. When the kids all stopped to look, Mazie took to the bleachers to announce that she’d heard their stories and while she was “as daring as any circus girl” and “fiercer than a pirate,” if they really wanted to know the truth then “‘Maybe just ask me!'”

And the kids did want to know. They sat around her on the bleachers as she told them she’d been sick but that they had “‘never lost hope.'” Her classmates listened and realized that while their ideas had been way off, their new friend Mazie was “pretty brave. And a very good storyteller, too.”

Back matter includes Katie Mazeika’s own story of her experience with cancer at age three, during which she lost her right eye, as well as a discussion encouraging people to ask questions and engage in conversations with those with disabilities that show interest, concern, and kindness. Mazeika says, “. . . when we pretend not to see people with disabilities, we make them feel invisible” and “curiosity, with kindness, should always be allowed.” She also includes a list of how people can be supportive of those with disabilities.

In her heartfelt autobiographical story about her childhood experience with cancer, Katie Mazeika reveals to readers that not only is it okay to ask someone about their disability, it is welcomed. As Mazie’s classmates in her new school make up elaborate scenarios to explain her bald head and eye patch instead of asking what happened, they unwittingly isolate her from the group. When Mazie is finally able to make her voice heard, however, both Mazie and the class discover that honest dialogue paves the way to long-lasting friendships.

Mazeika’s colorful, textured illustrations are infused with emotion, imagination, and gentle humor that make the story immediately accessible to children. Young readers will feel empathy for Mazie as she bravely walks into a new school, knowing most eyes are on her, and becomes flustered at the front of the puzzled class. Mazeika depicts the kids’ theories in vibrantly detailed scenes, while also showing the impact they have on Mazie. When Mazie gets the chance to tell the real story, her battle with cancer is portrayed in a simple but powerful illustration of her and her doctor facing and dispelling a fire-breathing dragon. The final spread of Mazie surrounded by her new friends is uplifting.

Emphasizing hope, bravery, and empathy Maybe Just Ask Me! is a unique story and a must addition to all school and public library collections, pediatrician offices, and hospital gift shops.

Ages 4 – 8

Beach Lane Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1665949897

Katie Mazeika is an author and illustrator with a BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design. When she isn’t in the studio, she likes to spend time at the theater, in her garden, or getting lost in a good book. She is the creator of picture book biographies including Annette Feels Free and Beulah Has a Hunch!. She lives in Ohio with her family and two dogs. To learn more, and download a free curriculum guide, visit her website at katiemazeika.com. You can also find her on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky.

Disability Book Week Activity

Maybe Just Ask Me! Favorite Thing Activity

This Curriculum Guide for Maybe Just Ask Me! is full of ideas and activities for teachers, librarians and families to interact with the book and engage in some thoughtful drawing and writing about their own lives as well.

You can connect with Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster Kids on Facebook and on their website @simonkids

You can find Blue Slip Media on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram. To learn more visit their website @blue_slip_media

You can purchase Maybe Just Ask Me! from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore.

Picture Book Review

March 12 – Get Ready for Passover

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most sacred Jewish holidays and celebrates the Jews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their freedom as a nation under Moses. The holiday begins on the fourteenth day of the Hebrew month Nisan and continues for seven days in Israel or eight days outside of Israell. The holiday begins with a seder meal, for which family and friends gather to remember their history, have symbolic dishes, and celebrate the joy of freedom. Games for children, a reading of the Exodus story, and other meaningful traditions also mark the holiday.

Thank you to Random House Books for Children and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for gifting me a copy of Next Year in the White House for review.

Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder

By Richard Michelson | Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Review by Dorothy Levine

“Malia and Sasha watch White House chefs arrange gefilte fish on fine china. Matzoh ball soup simmers in a sterling silver tureen…Bo wags his tail and sniffs as new smells waft through the Old Family Dining Room.”

Michelson’s story begins right in the action, with everyone preparing for the White House Seder. Barack Obama’s daughter Sasha says, “I bet Bo is wondering why this night is different from all other nights.” She is jokingly referencing the four questions recited by the youngest child in a Passover seder. And why is this night different, you may be wondering? Read on to find out!

When Eric, Arun, and Herbie set out on the campaign trail with Senator Obama as he ran for president in 2008, they did not expect to find themselves seated in the White House celebrating Passover for the next eight years. These young men joined the campaign trail in hopes that “they could help [Obama] make America a place where all people—regardless of their race, gender or religion—would have an equal opportunity to succeed.” But, “helping others doesn’t mean you don’t get homesick, or hungry, or tired.”

Holidays are especially a time when homesickness can hit for folks far from home. And this was the case for Eric, Arun, and Herbie. When Passover came around, they decided to have their own Passover ceremony, or Seder, in the basement of the hotel where they were staying. The trio managed to snag some matzoh, macaroons and Manishewitz wine along with Haggadahs (booklets of the prayers, songs and story of Passover) to tell the story of Passover—the exodus of enslaved Jews in Egypt who escaped through a parting sea to freedom, one of many miracles that ensured their eventual getaway. “Tonight, they would celebrate the sweet taste of freedom and pledge not to rest until all people are free.”

When the three young men rose for the tradition of letting the prophet, Elijah, in through the door they were surprised to find Barack Obama on the other side, requesting to join the gathering. Obama brought to the table connections between the Passover freedom tale and the civil rights movement—how activists throughout time have drawn from the Passover pilgrimage in their protests and speeches. He told of how enslaved Black laborers were the ones who carried the first building blocks for the White House, like how the ancient Pharaoh had made the enslaved Israelites build his stone cities. When Eric called out a traditional Passover expression “Next year in Jerusalem,” a phrase that has come to signify hope for a better tomorrow, Barack replied, “Next year in the White House!”

In the following pages, we return to the prologue scene of the book—a description of the first White House Seder, performed in 2009, hundreds of years after both the first White House Christmas and Easter ceremonies. We read of two previously enslaved peoples joining together in resistance and solidarity, to celebrate in the historic White House, where neither group would have been invited years ago. We learn about the traditional Passover foods and games for children—such as piping hot matzoh ball soup and the race to find the afikomen, a hidden piece of matzoh wrapped in a special cloth. And we’re invited in as dozens of people gather to celebrate and cherish the holiday’s call of freedom. When the prize for finding the hidden afikomen is a dog toy for Bo, Sasha remarks, “Now Bo definitely knows why this night is different from all other nights.”

Richard Michelson’s writing is thought provoking, lively and packed with themes of hope and resilience interspersed with knowledge of the Passover traditions. The story contains many references to Passover phrases and themes, such as the call for the homesick, tired, and hungry to come eat and the four questions, which are both part of Passover prayers and motifs shared in Michelson’s story.

Michelson adds a prologue scene to draw readers in, as well as extensive back matter including: a note from Herbie Ziskend, Eric Lesser, and Arum Chaudhary; an annotated page of the Haggadah used at the first White House Seder; more information about the attendees and connections between Black History and Passover; a detailed explanation of Passover traditions; and a special Passover dessert recipe from Arun. His writing instills a sense of social justice, with undertones of the importance of intersectional empowerment and unity.

E.B. Lewis’s signature watercolor spreads bring the book to life with distinctly recognizable characters displaying detailed facial expressions and richly colored backgrounds. Readers will feel immersed in the comradery of the dinner table scenes and the crowds at protests and campaign speeches. The illustrative masterpiece depicting the parting of the sea in the background when Eric, Arun, and Herbie retell the Passover story will inspire awe and mystery. Close-ups of each of the characters also intersperse text and larger detailed scenes. When Arun, Herbie, and Eric are introduced, they each receive their own small illustrative snapshot, as these three unlikely characters become center stage for a Passover miracle story.

Next Year in the White House brings a unique and important historical moment to light and a new story to the table to re-read time and time again, as is tradition with the Passover tale.

Ages 4 – 8+

Crown Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-0593711583

About the Author

Richard Michelson is a poet, children’s book author, and art dealer whose children’s books have been listed among the 10 Best Books of the Year by The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and The New Yorker; and among the 12 Best Books of the Decade by Amazon.com. He has been a finalist for the Massachusetts Book Award, the Harlem Book Fest Wheatley Award, and the National Jewish Book Award, as well as receiving two Skipping Stones Multicultural Book Awards, a National Parenting Publication Gold Medal and an International Reading Association Teacher’s Choice Award. In 2009 Michelson received both a Sydney Taylor Gold and Silver Medal from the Association of Jewish Librarians, the only author so honored in AJL’s 50 year history. Michelson received his 2nd Silver Medal in 2017 and his 2nd Gold Medal in 2018. Additionally, Michelson won the 2017 National Jewish Book Award. Michelson is the owner of R. Michelson Galleries, the host of Northampton Poetry Radio, and the current Poet Laureate of Northampton. Massachusetts. You can learn more by visiting him at richardmichelson.com and on Facebook.

About the Illustrator

E.B. Lewis has illustrated over seventy books for children, including the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award, Kirkus Best Illustrated Book Award, and the Golden Kite Honor Award winner Jabari Asim’s Preaching to the Chickens as well as the Caldecott Honor Award Winner, Jacqueline Woodson’s Coming on Home Soon. He is also a five-time Coretta Scott King winner.
Presently, Lewis teaches at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He is also a member of The Society of Illustrators in New York City, and an artist member of Salamagundi Art Club of New York. Learn more about E.B. Lewis and his work at eblewis.com.

Get Ready for Passover Activity

8 Days of Activity Plans from 18 Doors

Celebrate Passover with your family and these Activity Plan Ideas from 18 Doors! For each of the 8 Days you’ll find a song or video, a craft, and a recipe to help you have a fun Passover!

You can purchase Next Year at the White House from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

March 6 – It’s Read Across America Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today’s holiday, established by the National Education Association in 1997, encourages children across the country to celebrate reading and all of its joys and benefits. A love of reading is one of life’s greatest pleasures and begun early can be a powerful force for future success. Celebrate today by reading with a child or on your own. There are fabulous worlds and stories waiting to be discovered!

Baa Haa

Written by Audrey Perrott | Illustrated by Ross Burach

Babette was a happy sheep. Anyone on the farm and beyond could tell you, since “her laughter could be heard across the pasture for miles.” In fact, Babette’s friends all called her “Baa Haa” because she made them hee hee and ha ha, and even guffaw with all of her jokes and antics.

Yes, Babette loved to laugh, and her bubbly personality burst out no matter what she was doing or feeling. When she was surprised, she laughed. When she was “glaaaaad,” she laughed. She even laughed when things didn’t quite go her way. Wait a minute . . . really?

Really. Babette didn’t like feeling nervous or scared or disappointed, so whenever she felt “baaaaad,” the giggles let her escape. But all this laughter and hiding her real feelings was “tangling her insides into a knot,” and the problem was getting worse. Nothing she tried helped her to feel better. Then one day she couldn’t keep her tears from welling up and spilling out. She tried putting “on a big fake smile” for her friends, but she couldn’t keep the tears from falling.

The other animals assured her that “It’s okay if you’re not okay,” and that she should feel free to show her real feelings. “‘We love ewe for ewe,'” her friend Wanda said. Babette began to feel better and was even able to acknowledge that sometimes she did feel sad or mad or nervous. From then on, Babette “let all her feelings show” and shared them with her friends. “Because that’s what true friends do.”

Audrey Perrott’s follow up to Moo Hoo gently and with plenty of humor reassures children that they don’t have to be happy all the time, and that expressing their true emotions is better than bottling them up. Filled with puns, jokes, and word play, Perrott’s story will have kids giggling as they embrace her message that everyone shares the same feelings and that showing them can bring support, understanding, and quicker recovery.

Kids will love Ross Burach’s goofy and kind-hearted farmyard animals. His animated illustrations effectively demonstrate the disconnect between Babette’s mirthful reactions and disappointing or nerve-wracking events. As Babette’s true emotions begin to emerge, Burach’s characters clearly show their empathy and understanding. Throughout the story, readers will have fun finding all of the visual puns Burach has added to his illustrations.

An engaging read aloud with an essential, heartening message, Baa Haa is highly recommended for home and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Scholastic Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546134039

About the Author

Audrey Perrott is the author of Moo Hoo, her debut picture book, as well as nine nonfiction and board book projects with Tangerine Press/Scholastic, including her most recent, Five Buzzy Bees, and A Hat for House with Putnam. An SCBWI Rising Kite Honorable Mention recipient, she lives with her family in North Carolina. You can visit her online at audreyperrott.com.

About the Illustrator

Ross Burach is the creator of the riotously funny Very Impatient Caterpillar series that includes The Very Impatient Caterpillar; The Little Butterfly That Could; Goodnight, Butterfly; and Make Way for Butterfly. All the books combine humor with curriculum-friendly science topics and relatable social-emotional themes. Ross’s other acclaimed books include the picture book Truck Full of Ducks, the board books I Love My Tutu Too!, Potty All-Star, Hi-Five Farm!, and Hi-Five Animals!—named the best board book of the year by Parents Magazine—and the Acorn early reader series Bumble and Bee. He also illustrated Audrey Perrott’s Moo Hoo and Baa Haa. Ross lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York. You can visit him online at rossburach.com.

Read Across America Week Activity

Baa Haa Fun Sheets

Kids will have fun giggling through these Baa Haa Make a Joke and Word Search Activity Sheets!

You can purchase Baa Haa at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookseller)

Picture Book Review

February 19 – Random Acts of Kindness Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Random Acts of Kindness Week may be ending, but that only means it’s time to extend the spirit of the holiday day after day until it rolls around again next February! Today, I’m celebrating with one of my favorite stories about a little girl who sees someone in need of help or kindness and generously offers the comforts of tea and treats with a smile. Children are particularly good at offering such caring gestures that can have far-reaching effects. Adults can foster a child’s natural kindness by supporting their ideas and actions for helping their community.

Thanks to Sleeping Bear Press for sharing a copy of The Princess and the Café on the Moat with me!

The Princess and the Café on the Moat

Written by Margie Markarian | Illustrated by Chloe Douglass

There once was a little princess who lived in a very busy castle. Every morning knights brought news of “enemies defeated, dragons seized, and citizens rescued.” Upstairs, ladies-in-waiting were given their duties for “silks to sew, invitations to ink, and chandeliers to shine.” The princess wanted a special job too, but her voice was never heard above the din, so she went in search of something to occupy her time.

The court jester was too busy to teach her how to juggle. The wandering minstrel said her fingers were too delicate to pluck the wiry strings of a mandolin, and the wizard banished her from the tower, saying his potions were too dangerous. Even the royal baker thought her kitchen was no place for a princess. “The princess’s kind heart and eager spirit were not easily discouraged.” She wondered if there were people beyond the castle who could use her help. Just then the drawbridge descended, and the princess crept by the guard and ran outside.

Right outside the castle, she met a sad old man who had gotten a letter from his far-away son, but because of his weak eyesight couldn’t read it. “‘I have time to read your letter and sit awhile,’ said the princess, happy to have found a task so quickly.” Next, she met a worried widow who had no one to watch her children as she traveled to the village market. The princess happily offered to watch them. And when a brave squire came limping by with an injured knee, she quickly bandaged.

Back at the castle, though, everything was in an uproar as everyone was hunting everywhere for the princess. When the king suddenly heard laughter and singing and saw through the window that it was the princess, everyone paraded out through the drawbridge to join her and her new friends.

The princess ran to her mother and father and told them about all the things she had done for the old man, the widow, and the squire. The king and queen “were proud to have such a kindhearted daughter.” The king suggested that they “all celebrate together with treats and refreshments.” From that day on in the afternoon, the drawbridge was dropped and tables and chairs set up. Then the “princess welcomed townspeople and travelers from far and wide to her café on the moat.” The café welcomed everyone, and “indeed, they all lived happily and busily ever after.”

An Afterword about fairy tales and a kindness activity for children follow the story.

Margie Markarian’s sweet story is an enchanting fairy tale for today’s socially conscious and active kids. Instead of needing rescue, this princess looks for opportunities to help others. When she’s turned away from helping inside the castle, she leaves the comfort of home and reaches out to her community, an idea that children will embrace. Through her cheerful storytelling, Markarian also shows readers that in their talents and kind hearts they already have what it takes to make a difference to others. As the princess opens her café on the moat, both children and adult readers will be inspired to find ways to support each other in planned—or random—acts of kindness. Markarian’s language is charmingly “medieval,” making the story a fun read aloud. The story would also lend itself well to dramatic play for classrooms, child-centered organizations, or enterprising groups of friends and families.

Chloe Douglass’s adorable princess is a terrific role model for young readers. Her eagerness to help and positive spirit are evident in her smiles and persistent requests for a job to do. When she ventures out of the castle, she displays obvious empathy for the people she meets, and children will recognize her joy at being able to brighten the townspeople’s day. Despite their busy days, the king and queen are happy and supportive of their daughter. Children will love the bright and detailed images of the castle and town, where the crest of love rules.

The Princess and the Café on the Moat is a charming flip on the traditional fairy tale—one that children will want to hear again and again. It would make an inspiring spring gift and an enriching addition to home, classroom, and library collections.

Ages 5 – 8

Sleeping Bear Press, 2018 | ISBN 978-1585363971

To discover more about Margie Markarian and her picture book and to find fun activities, visit her website.

Learn more about Chloe Douglass, her books, and her art on her website.

Random Acts of Kindness Week Activity

The Princess and the Café on the Moat Activities

The Princess likes to help people relax and have fun together! You can help her too with these four The Princess and the Café Activity Pages!

You can purchase The Princess and the Café on the Moat at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

February 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It’s Random Acts of Kindness Day! Coming mid-way through Random Acts of Kindness Week, today’s holiday offers the perfect time to begin or reconfirm your commitment to doing nice things for those around you. Simple gestures of kindness—like sharing a smile, giving a compliment, or helping out when you see someone struggling—make anyone feel better and create a bond that brings a community closer. To keep the good feelings flowing throughout the year, look for opportunities to help out and share books that encourage kindness, such as today’s book!

Thank you to Orchard Books/Scholastic for sharing a copy of Hop Helps Out with me!

Hop Helps Out

By Marc Brown, Tolon Brown and Peter Hirsch

One morning as Hop and Benny are out exploring their town of Fair Village, they come across a troll named Helga, who’s crying because she’s too afraid to venture out into the world on her own. Hop immediately takes her by the hand and invites her to come adventuring with him and Benny. Hop and Benny are eager to show their new friend Helga some of their favorite places.

First, they visit a meadow, lush with clover, daisies, lupines, daffodils, and wildflowers in a rainbow of colors. Then Benny wants to show Helga the small mobile home he lives in. His yard, strewn with toys and games and sporting a garden, delights Helga, and when they go inside she is treated to a mug of hot chocolate and a story. Next, they take Helga to their friend Hoot’s farm. ‘”She’s as cute as a kitten in a mitten,'” Hoot declares. “‘You can help me milk the cows, Helga,'” Hoot says. Afterward, they’re all treated to homemade ice cream, dress up play, and a ride in Hoot’s talking car, Jinx.

Jinx takes the merry group to see another friend, Filipa. Filipa is just filling the swimming pool underneath her treehouse when they arrive. Helga can’t believe her eyes. There are so many fun things to do here; even a swing! Even though Benny warns Helga not to swing too high, she falls off. But when Hop hurries over, Helga giggles and reveals that trolls “‘can bounce.'” In Filipa’s art studio, Helga gets to try out being creative—with herself as the canvas. Not to worry, though! Filipa fills her pool with bubbles for an impromptu (and colorful) bubble bath. “‘I like bubbles,’ cheered Helga.” “‘Who doesn’t?'” Hop agrees.

Next on the tour is Hop’s Lily Pad Diner, where Hop’s sister, Penny, plays the piano while the others dance. All this activity and excitement is making Helga tired and ready to go home. When they arrive, Helga treats her new friends to a Moon Snack of sassafras twigs and fungus chips. No one wants this fun day to end. Especially Helga, who is happy to be part of the group and to have discovered so much. “‘The world is filled with so many good things.'” she exclaims.

The story is followed by a detailed map of Fair Village with many homes, restaurants, farms, parks, and other landmarks for kids to explore. In an afterword, Marc Brown explains how the world of Hop—a new animated series streaming on MAX—started out as a doodle of a frog with one leg shorter than the other then joined by a host of other characters. Brown, with the help of his son Tolon (a producer on the Arthur series) and Peter Hirsch (the head writer for Arthur), expanded on this inclusive universe for a younger audience.

Brown shares, “It was important to me that Hop’s world introduced characters that were reflective of our communities and friends and inclusive of children who had been underrepresented in the media. In Fair Village, disabilities never define who you are or what you can achieve. Our goal is to create a safe, inviting world that challenges kids to appreciate others who are not like them and to act with understanding and kindness.”

Enthusiasm, kindness, and acceptance radiate from the pages, as Hop and Benny take charge of showing Helga around Fair Village—a name that reflects both the beauty of the town as well as how its residents treat each other—and introducing her to things she’s never seen before. Young readers will find pleasure in sharing so many of these favorites too, such as hot chocolate, bubble baths, ice cream, and playing dress up, with this crew of fast friends. Gentle humor is sprinkled throughout, and the simply stated, heartfelt ending invites readers to look around at their own family, friends, home, and community and find the “many good things” there.

Marc Brown’s illustrations are infused with color and offer children a multitude of familiar things to see and identify. The full-bleed spreads immerse readers in the community of Fair Village and the individual homes of the characters. Detail-oriented children will love lingering over the map to find each of the character’s homes as well as fun additions, such as the crooked house, the haunted castle, and the appropriately shaped Pie Shop, Pizza Palace, and Pet Hospital. As this book and the series are inclusive of children underrepresented in media, Brown depicts Hop’s anisomelia (having one leg shorter than the other) in his two different shoes—one of which has an extra, yellow layer to its sole. Helga is coded as having agoraphobia.

A tie-in to the new MAX series HOP, Hop Helps Out introduces children to some of the characters and the vast Fair Village community in a joyful and empathetic way. The story can stand alone as well, encouraging discussions about meeting new people, being open to new experiences, visiting unfamiliar places, and showing kindness to others.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books/Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1339035680

About the Creators

Marc Brown is the beloved creator of the bestselling Arthur Adventure book series and creative producer of PBS’s Peabody and Emmy award-winning television series Arthur, now the longest-running children’s animated show in history. He also has illustrated many other books for children, including the New York Times bestseller Wild About Books, as well as The Little Shop of Monsters and Mary McScary, both written by R.L. Stine. For more information, visit marcbrownstudios.com.

Peter Hirsch is the co-creator and head writer of the MAX series, HOP. Before then he was the head writer of the PBS series Arthur for over 20 years. He has won 7 Emmys and a Peabody award, and lives in New York City with his wife, playwright Cusi Cram, and their two overweight cats.

Tolon Brown is an Emmy award-wining producer of culturally significant shows such as Arthur on PBS, and co-creator of the animated series HOP on MAX. Long ago he discovered a fondness for complaining about “good coffee” and people who can’t change a flat tire, which inspired him to split his time between Brooklyn and Baldwin County, Alabama in order to pursue both. Somehow he managed to raise two amazing daughters, yet remains open to the possibility that was purely accidental.

You can purchase Hop Helps Out at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

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